Tata Motors is set to initiate the production of electric vehicles at the Sanand plant, acquired from Ford India last January, starting from April this year, according to a senior company official.
Shailesh Chandra, MD of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, mentioned that the production would kick off with the Nexon EV. The facility, acquired for Rs 725.7 crore, has an initial capacity of 3 lakh units annually, with the potential for expansion to 4.2 lakh units.
Chandra also revealed plans to manufacture upcoming models at the same facility, including the introduction of Curvv EV in the second or third quarter of the current calendar year. The Harrier EV and the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of Curvv is anticipated to follow by the end of the year.
Chandra expressed optimism about outperforming the 5% growth expected in the passenger vehicle industry for the next fiscal year, citing planned launches. He emphasized the need to extend FAME benefits to personal electric cars in the Budget wishlist to expedite the country’s electrification.
Chandra highlighted the success of increased electric car sales in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat when offering incentives to buyers and addressed concerns such as the inverted duty structure in EVs.
Regarding talks on concessions for a US-based EV major, Chandra asserted Tata Motors’ readiness for healthy competition, emphasizing the importance of a level playing field for all participants in the EV space.
